How to Detect Different Soil Densities

Knowing how to detect different soil densities is important for determining how well certain kinds of plants will grow in an area. Soil density is directly related to soil porosity. Pore space in the soil is what allows water and air to circulate. When there's a change in the soil's density water can have difficulty penetrating deep into the soil. If there is a less dense soil layer on top of a denser layer plants may have difficulty reaching maturity because their roots can't penetrate deep enough.

Soil probe
Spray paint
Stakes
String

Instructions

- 1
  Define the appropriate area by marking it off, using stakes and string, natural landmarks, or an existing fence.
- 2
  Mark five soil density test sites within your area by making circles on the ground with spray paint. Make each about 5 feet in diameter.
- 3
  Drive a soil probe down into the soil to detect varying degrees of density. A soil probe is a long, thin piece of metal with a pointed tip on one end and a handle you can push on at the other. Probe the soil 3 feet down. By probing to this depth you can determine if there are any significant density changes within the likely rooting depth of your plants. The surface of the soil may be denser than the soil a few inches deeper. As you probe deeper you may encounter dense soil again, which will be harder to poke through.
- 4
  Record the amount of effort it took to push the soil probe into the ground at each site. Make sure to note any soil density changes that you felt as the probe went into the ground.

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